Treasuring Poetry – Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka collated by Colleen M. Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle #poetry #treasuringpoetry
Posted: December 18, 2024 Filed under: Anthology, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle, Sunflower Tanka, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 52 Comments
For this final post of 2024, I am sharing about Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka collated by Colleen M. Chesbro and myself, Robbie Cheadle.
The theme for this collection, “Into the Light,” was influenced by how a young sunflower bud always faces the sun. This sun tracking is called heliotropism.
It is believed that sunflowers participate in heliotropism because they possess an internal clock similar to humans. This internal clock enables the plant to maximize its growth and absorb optimal energy.
The buds are heliotropic until the end of the bud stage. Upon reaching maturity, the sunflower ceases to follow the sun.
The combination of sunflowers as an emblem, and “Into the Light” as a theme is intended to throw shards of brightness out into the world. By actively seeking out happiness and sharing love and light, we can make this planet a better place for all its people and creatures.
golden sunflowers
watch Apollo’s chariot
move across the sky
from dawn’s first light to sunset
forever seeking the light
by Colleen M. Chesebro
Blurb
Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.
Our theme, “Into the Light,” draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.
Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.
A few examples of the poetry in this book
All the poems in this book are gorgeous, so I have just randomly selected three pieces to share here:
echoes of despair
hushed as tears fail haunted eyes
silence expresses
a quiet faiths’ grip on hope
firm through darkened horizons
Tanka By Destiny
***
ash and dust reclaim
from flames of passion or shame
born this, raised as that
do butterflies from cocoons
ditch all that was, for petals?
Extract from Intertwined Essence (garland tanka) by Jude Itakali
***
within the forest
there’s a glen where children play
under a white light
where mystical faeries
flit around, happy and free
Tanka by Ivor Steven
Jacaranda Blue
As a photographer and painter, I am always trying to capture light in my work. This series of three photographs of my painting, Jacaranda Blue, was intended to demonstrate how this painting captures light in different ways.
This painting is dedicated to my amazingly artistic blogging friend, Resa McConaghy, who recently shared a most extraordinary series of articles about The Painted House. You can find the last article, with links to all the rest, here: https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2024/11/24/exterior/. In addition to her amazing photography, Resa creates the most incredible art gowns out of recycled materials. Click on Resa’s name to discover more about her gowns.
This is a short extract from my poem Jacaranda Blue, a rensaku, inspired by this painting and included in Sunflower Tanka:
dressed for a spring ball
frocks of filmy organza
Jacaranda blue
delicate forms gently swaying in softly flowing fabric
Sunflower Tanka Video
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
___________________________
This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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[…] Treasuring Poetry – Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka … […]
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Congratulations again, Robbie and Colleen, on “Sunflower Tanka”! And Robbie, this is a varied, exceptional post capping your year of many varied, exceptional posts!
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Thank you, Dave 💛🌈
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You’re very welcome, Robbie! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Dave. Robbie was an excellent partner in this endeavor.
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You’re very welcome, Colleen! You and Robbie are a dynamic duo!
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🌞💕🌈
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🙂
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💓
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Many Congratulations Robbie and Colleen.
Wishing you the best of success 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you Robbie also for allowing me have a guest spot on Treasuring Poetry.
Happy Holidays 🧑🎄🎄🧑🎄
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My pleasure, Maggie. I love sharing about poets and their work.
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🥰
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Thanks so much, Maggie. xxx
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My pleasure Colleen xxx
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I love sunflowers. I once made a time lapse video of a tiny sunflower chasing the light.
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That sounds lovely, Stevie
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[…] Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth. https://writingtoberead.com/2024/12/18/treasuring-poetry-sunflower-tanka-an-anthology-of-tanka-tanka-prose-experimental-tanka-collated-by-colleen-m-chesebro-and-robbie-cheadle-poetry-treasuringpoetry/ […]
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Thanks so much for sharing, Patty.
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[…] is a great honor to be featured on Writing to be Read and the Treasuring Poetry feature by Robbie […]
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Congratulations again on this lovely journal, Robbie and Colleen. You’ve done a beautiful job of highlighting it here, and Robbie, I agree totally about Resa!
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Thank you, Merril. I am thrilled by this beautiful book.
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You’re welcome, Robbie! 😊
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Congratulations, Robbie and Colleen! The ebook can be bought for $5.99? I’m not in Kindle Unlimited, and I don’t want to be.
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Yes, that is correct, Liz. I am also not part of Kindle Unlimited.
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Thank you for confirming, Robbie.
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Congratulations on this beautiful collection and thank-you for let me be a small part of it.
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Hi Brenda, I am proud to be part of this extraordinary collection. Every poem is a delight.
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Dear Robbie,
I am quite touched by the dedication of your jacaranda tree drawing, to me. Thank you!
You know how smitten I am by this tree, and I know that you did cause a bit of kerfuffle, when taking a pic of one for me. What a beauty, and I put it in my review of your excellent book A Ghost and His Gold.
However, this is about Sunflower Tanka.
Congratulations to all poets involved in making this book happen! I recognize many names, and adore their writing.
It sounds like a healing book from: the inspiration of sunflowers, to the positive message it sends out, to the examples of Tanka you have shared in this post.
The video is Terrific.
And finally, congratulations and kudos to you and Colleen for putting this book together!
Kaye Lynne, thank you for hosting!
Cheers to all, and best wishes for a happy holiday season!
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Hi Resa, I’m thrilled you like this tree. It is my favourite of my own paintings to date. I love jacaranda trees, they make me happy with their gorgeous flowers. This Sunflower Tanka is a beautiful book and I am proud to be part of it. The poems are delightful and I know all the contributing poets which makes it even more special.
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It is definitely special! You and Colleen did a fab thing pulling it all together! 🕊🌻🤍🌻
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Thank you for visiting, Resa. ☺️
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It’s always a pleasure! 🌟🤍🕊🌟
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🙂
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What a lovely book, a real ray of sunshine. I love sunflowers and their simple beauty hides a very clever plant that follows the sun. I also love jacarandas, the first tree my parents bought for our garden when we emigrated to Australia.
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Hi Janet, sunflowers and jacarandas are both beautiful. This is a gorgeous collection 💕
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Thank you so much, Robbie and Colleen. I am proud to be a part of this gorgeous collection. 🌻💛
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Hi Eugi, thank you for contributing your beautiful poetry. This collection is delightful.
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My pleasure, Robbie, and I am most grateful for the opportunity. 💗
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It’s a beautiful book! I highly recommend it!
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Congratulations Robbie and Colleen and all who contributed to what I know will be a wonderful book.. I loved the title and the reasoning behind it, and also ALL of the artwork.. Resa’s artwork also spectacular…
I wish you every success with this book, and I wish you all a beautiful peaceful Christmas, and my 2025 take us all INTO THE LIGHT…
Much love and Blessings xx ❤ xx 🙏
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Congratulations again, Colleen and Robbie! What a beautiful anthology, and Robbie, I’m nodding in agreement about our talented friend, Resa! ❤️🌻
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Congratulations! 🙂
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Thank you 😊
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This is a lovely presentation for the book you and Colleen put together. We all need some light right now. (K)
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Thank you, Kerfe 🌻💛
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Best wishes for success with your book. It looks wonderful. 🙂
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Thank you, Norah 💛🌻
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Congratulations to all the authors and to you, Robbie and Colleen. The examples of poetry are very beautiful as is the cover. Good luck and thanks for all your hard work.
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What an amazing trailer. I love all the poetry lines popping up. Put them all together, and they would make a fabulous poem, too! 🙂 xxx Destiny’s poem is a beautiful choice. Thanks for posting this. I love the book. 🙂 xxx
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Hi Marsha, thank you for your lovely poetic contributions. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post and the video.
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🥰🎉🎉🎉
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[…] Roberta Eaton Cheadle’s list of books can be found in https://writingtoberead.com/2024/12/18/treasuring-poetry-sunflower-tanka-an-anthology-of-tanka-tanka… […]
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